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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,207 comments Add your comment
JasonInFL
December 14th, 2009
7:53 pm
I have to admit…wasn’t expecting the pitching situation to move as fast as it has as far as Halladay and Lackey…
Del
December 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
Remember the last baby Brave who came up labelled as a sweet swinger? Kelly Johnson. Let’s hope Freeman, another Baby Brave labelled a sweet swinger, turns out turns out differently.
Chop Chop
December 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
If Paul Lentz had a leitmotif, it would be Bob Dylan’s “Idiot Wind”.
NCBravesFan
December 14th, 2009
7:56 pm
“LOL
MLBTR botched something here….
“It is “believed” that Cameron would play right field for the BoSox, with Jacoby Ellsbury in center and J.D. Drew in right”
LOL”
Actually given Cameron’s age, Drew’s injury history and Ellsbury’s speed and range, perhaps the Sox are planning to have two players cover RF and Ellsbury cover both center & left.
MZ
December 14th, 2009
7:56 pm
what makes me laugh harder than anything on this blog is when people – who most of the time aren’t joking – say things like “So-and-so will be the starting left fielder” and “So-and-so will sign with such-and-such a team by Friday” or “So-and-so WILL be at first base on opening day” … comedy, man … pure comedy
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
7:57 pm
I see Kenny and Morosi (FoxSports.com) speculate Angels “could offer” Rivera for Lowe.
Hey, if the Angels actually do that and also take most or all of Lowe’s contract, then I say Braves whould and would jump on that in a hurry. I just haven’t expected Angels to offer a player of that caliber, with a contract as affordable as Rivera’s is over the next two seasons, while also taking Lowe’s contract off Braves’ hands. I could certainly be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time … or 25th time.
But until it happens, or I hear from someone that it could, I’ve got serious doubts the Angels would give them Rivera without the Braves eating a lot of Lowe’s salary.
cadagan
December 14th, 2009
7:57 pm
Paul Lentz,
Everyone on this blog is a “MORON”.
Just going through the comments, you’ve made that statement abundantly clear many many times. And if everyone is said Moron, as you feel, then why on god’s green earth do want anything to do with all of us morons?
Ever watch One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest?
Ever get the constant craving for a cigarette?
I want my cigarettes, Miss Ratched!
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
7:58 pm
The Angels by adding Matsui can make Rivera expendable. By getting Lowe at a cheaper salary lets say from 11-13 mil for Rivera they can go out and replace him with a FA (Maybe Bay or Holliday). The Matsui signing shows that Rivera wont be the DH. He will either be dealt or a starter. So in a way he becomes more expendable. It depends on whether they consider themselves legit bidders for Bay or Holliday.
And if they do get into the bidding war for Holliday or Bay they do have an upperhand that they have won their division for several years now and are still a playoff team.
Justin
December 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
6:55pm: J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton took physicals and could be a part of the deal, writes Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press.
This from MLBTR.
Goldenglove002
December 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
This M’s, Phillies, Jays deal has to be one of the craziest runmors I have seen in a while. Blanton and Happ both took physicals?????
How exactly does all of this info leak?
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
MLBTR- “6:55pm: J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton took physicals and could be a part of the deal, writes Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press.”
What in the world is going on here?
AustinBrave
December 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
Why does everybody say that Lowe would be a salary dump. Lowe has been one of the best all around pitchures in the last 10 years. I would get something good in return or keep him.
bravito199
December 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
Wow did ya’ll see what was just posted on mlbtr
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
The Angels by adding Matsui can make Rivera expendable. By getting Lowe at a cheaper salary lets say from 11-13 mil for Rivera they can go out and replace him with a FA (Maybe Bay or Holliday). The Matsui signing shows that Rivera wont be the DH. He will either be dealt or a starter. So in a way he becomes more expendable. It depends on whether they consider themselves legit bidders for Bay or Holliday.
And if they do get into the bidding war for Holliday or Bay they do have an upperhand that they have won their division for several years now and are still a playoff team.
bschro3000
December 14th, 2009
8:01 pm
DOB – check out Blackroc – it’ s the Black Keys with a myriad of amazing rappers including Pharoahe Monch, Raekwon, RZA, Mos Def and Q-tip. Holy sh!t. Bluesy hip-hop in the best way.
Wren did his hard work last year – Braves were one of the best teams in baseball last few months of the season. I like his approach and think we should go into next year under budget so we can add before the trade deadline – we should know how ready Hayward is by then. Pick up a serviceable LF and first baseman and call it an off-season. Let our middle – Mclouth, Escobar, Prado and McCann drive this team . . . and lets hope Chipper can regain that swag.
Justin
December 14th, 2009
8:01 pm
The Happ and Blanton physical kinda scares me into thinking Lee wasnt traded…….
Justin
December 14th, 2009
8:02 pm
Dominic Brown (a top prospect) also took a physical this is looking more and more like they either didnt trade Lee or they got more than just halladay.
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
bschro: I just read a great review of that CD. haven’t heard it yet, but description sounds like something I need to have.
The_Superhoo
December 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
DOB,
Thanks for that stirring, motivational blog.
Also, the Air Force still uses memos galore. This is the most advanced military service in the world folks…
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
well to me it doesn’t seem like the Jays got full value. Wouldn’t be suprised if Happ or Blanton ends up in Toronto.
Rob in pain from (SC)
December 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
6:55pm: J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton took physicals and could be a part of the deal, writes Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. Domonic Brown also took a physical today, who is said to be coveted by the Jays.
from MLBTR
Ronald Millsaps
December 14th, 2009
8:04 pm
Del, actually, Kelly does have a swing swing; he just got asked to use it at leadoff and then low in the order while being asked to be selective and aggressive and while getting sporadic days off, which obstructed his pursuit of the hot hand. The Braves simply meddled with his identity. If you’ll remember, he was a rookie in 2005 and got limited playing time; he didn’t play at all in 2006; he had his best year in 2007 (the year the Braves came closest to using him properly–but even then they moved him back to leadoff after admitting he was better lower in the order!); and he had a dismal 2008, largely due to his sporadic, contradictory usage, but finally got consistent use late in the year and produced a 25-game hitting streak.
We need to keep this man.
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
8:05 pm
Remember the last baby Brave who came up labelled as a sweet swinger? — Del
I seem to recall McCann being said to have a sweet swing at about that same time as KJ. McCann turned out alright.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:05 pm
If the Bo Sox sign cameron and pass on Bay, My guess is that Holliday and Bay both end up in the AL West. Holliday to the Angels and Bay to the Mariners or vice versa. Purely speculation.
garlick
December 14th, 2009
8:06 pm
I don’t see this as Lee not getting traded, but just that Happ & Blanton were also included for various reasons & the Phils are getting a prospect like Brown back in return.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
I thought I saw that the Phils had asked for money to help sign Halladay. If Toronto gave them some money then I would bet that Happ or Blanton end up in Toronto.
FEAR
December 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
7:04pm: Drabek and “other top [Phillies] prospects” will be involved in the deal, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter). According to Salisbury, Brown will remain with the club.
Marc in FL
December 14th, 2009
8:09 pm
Me thinks DOB is staying tuned cause there’s magic in air…
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:09 pm
Now it says Draebek will be in the deal. This is confusing.
Rob in pain from (SC)
December 14th, 2009
8:09 pm
every 5 minutes the deal changes
7:04pm: Drabek and “other top [Phillies] prospects” will be involved in the deal, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com (via Twitter). According to Salisbury, Brown will remain with the club.
McFann O
December 14th, 2009
8:09 pm
Soph McFann, Y is for yikes!
DOB McCann turned out alright.
Yeah, he’s not too bad.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
The Cameron thing says it was between the Braves and Boston. Guess since Boston is showing more attention then we can until Lowe is moved, he decided to go there.
FEAR
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
hopefully the phils shoot themselves in the foot like we did for tex, and clear out their farm system for one guy
Gary O
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
DOB,
I agree that I dont see why the Angels would take Lowe and give up Rivera, without the Braves having to eat quite a bit of salary.
Thats why I was wondering if the Braves threw in a prospect, if they could get Rivera and only give up $2-$3 mil.
BLEE
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
Is it me or have the Yankees benn very quiet.
BravesFanChris25
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
I could see Lee/Happ going to Mariners and Blanton/Drabek and others to Jays.
Justin
December 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
This stuff is pretty exciting, how lucky could one of the Jays or M’s be if Lee Drabek Blanton Happ and other top prospects are all traded why wouldnt they just ship the Jays Drabek Happ and other top prospects to the Jays for Halladay and keep Lee unless of course money is a hurdle.
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
8:12 pm
If there can be a Lowe for Rivera deal in some way….Cameron is not needed….at all.
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
8:12 pm
I guess the Red Sox think more highly of Mike Cameron than a lot of people on this blog do…
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:13 pm
The Cameron talk may just be a way to force Bay’s hand. Who really knows.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:14 pm
It may not be to bad for us if the Phils only get Halladay and give up Lee, Drabek, and Happ. I’d like them to keep Blanton, he’s HR prone.
Rob in pain from (SC)
December 14th, 2009
8:14 pm
If the Phillies traded Drabek and or Brown, they might keep Cliff Lee
C's
December 14th, 2009
8:15 pm
African Safari – I just think trading Schafer now would be selling low on a player who (IMO) will be very good and very cheap for years to come.
sidslidkid
December 14th, 2009
8:16 pm
This deal has so many different names getting leaked out. Twitter is making it very easy to “report” the latest rumor. I love getting the constant updates and hearing the latest rumors, but everyone seems to tweeting every single name they hear. Seems kind of dangerous.
BravesFanChris25
December 14th, 2009
8:18 pm
7:11pm: M’s shortstop prospect Carlos Triunifel could be in the deal in place of Saunders, tweets Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com.
WOW.
Getting interesting by the minute.
unbelievable
December 14th, 2009
8:19 pm
“Once the extension is complete, the Phillies are expected send three prospects to Toronto. A source identified those prospects as Drabek, outfielder Michael Taylor and catcher Travis D’Arnaud. The Blue Jays would also get a prospect from Seattle, possibly Canadian pitcher Phillippe Aumont. The Phillies could also end up with a prospect from Seattle. The Mariners are a key to the deal as they are expected to get Lee and his $9 million salary from the Phillies. The Phillies have a strict $140 million payroll so moving Lee appears to be a necessity.”
http://www.csnphilly.com/pages/landing_09?Fever-Pitch-Pursuit-of-Halladay-Almost-O=1&blockID=103216&feedID=704
BravesFanChris25
December 14th, 2009
8:19 pm
Phils can’t afford both Lee/Halladay I believe.
So I think Lee is going to Mariners.
Chingaling
December 14th, 2009
8:19 pm
DOB, what would you estimate the Braves would have to package with Lowe (besides some salary relief) to get Kendry back from LAA? Or is that definitely a nonstarter?
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:20 pm
This deal could unfold to be bigger then once thought.
Cameron signing could be a good thing for the Braves. It would make the Angels legit players for him helping with the Rivera situation.
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
8:20 pm
P’Cola Brave: Braves might not have been willing to go two years with Cameron, perhaps offered a year or one plus option. Don’t know this to be fact, but with Heyward on way and Schafer possibility, plus McLouth under contract, Braves might have been reluctant to go two years with Cameron.
TnBrian
December 14th, 2009
8:21 pm
DOB, really? I don’t seem to remember too many hating on Cameron here. I would’ve worded it that the Braves don’t think as highly of Cameron as the Red Sox do.
The Braves just don’t like Cameron for some reason, they obviously never have. They’ve had plenty of chances to sign the guy only to eventually pass for some reason.
BraveGuy
December 14th, 2009
8:21 pm
DOB
Who do the Braves turn to next to play the outfield? (If Cameron is gone)
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:22 pm
How long is McClouth under contract?
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:23 pm
No there was plenty of bashing on Cameron on here.
C's
December 14th, 2009
8:23 pm
I was big on the Cameron bandwagon. But I wouldn’t have offered him 2 years either.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:24 pm
If the Braves don’t land Rivera in a trade they may as well lay low in the outfield with Heyward and Diaz starting and wait to see how the Rays play out. MLB Network said tonight that if the Rays find themselves out of contention they would probably be willing to deal Crawford and/or Pena before they hit the market next year.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:24 pm
“DOB-Who do the Braves turn to next to play the outfield? (If Cameron is gone)”
You have to think the trade market. With my two favorite guys being Swisher and Juan Rivera. We could always go internally with Heyward or sign someone like Nady. Who knows?
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:26 pm
P’cola Brave- Your 8:24 post makes alot of sense to me.
BraveGuy
December 14th, 2009
8:27 pm
How come everytime I post a question toward DOB somebody else answers it? People don’t come here to ask other posters questions, I came here to ask DOB. No offense but come on.
What A Game
December 14th, 2009
8:28 pm
” guess the Red Sox think more highly of Mike Cameron than a lot of people on this blog do…”
Yeah and the Sox thought more of Smoltz than the Braves did last year. They didn’t exactly turn out to be right about that either.
Gone Viral
December 14th, 2009
8:29 pm
“You’re right. But they did let Leibrandt go. Who, like it or not, went 30-20 with a 3.43 ERA and 422 IP in 91-92.”
Leibrandt’s role in helping Smoltz and Glavine understand how to pitch is perennially underrated. In addition to have an ERA of 3.35 in 91 starts as Brave, he was invaluable in teaching Glavine how to maximize the value of his change-up. He was a much better pitcher than people realize. He had a career year where he finishes in the top 5 of the Cy Young, too. Later in his career, I always got a kick of watching Leibrandt face off against overly aggressive younger hitters. He would carve them up like they didn’t even have a bat in their hands. I’m a little disappointed he didn’t become a pitching coach. I always felt he was a natural for the role.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:29 pm
DOB
Has there been anymore news on the Nady front? I was hoping they would sign him before anyone else given his versatility to play corner OF and 1st.
Ronald Millsaps
December 14th, 2009
8:32 pm
I don’t see why the Phillies would trade Cliff Lee for Roy Halladay. Granted, I’m not following the fiscal side quite as much as some, but Lee’s as good or better.
UNCBrave
December 14th, 2009
8:32 pm
NADY to me is injured goods…Not interested
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:33 pm
Busy day for Toronto. With all the Halladay talk they still find time to sign a stud catcher in Ramon Castro.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:34 pm
For all those who say Nady is no good because he was injured, Does that make Hudson and Wagner no good also. What about Johan, he had a surgery, granted no where near as involved as Nady’s but still. People come back from TJ all the time. No reason to think he’ll be horrible because he had a surgery.
Gone Viral
December 14th, 2009
8:35 pm
“I don’t see why the Phillies would trade Cliff Lee for Roy Halladay. Granted, I’m not following the fiscal side quite as much as some, but Lee’s as good or better.”
I like Cliff Lee and thought his acquisition was a genius move by the Phillies, but I can’t get behind this statement. Halladay is the best in the game.
Efrim
December 14th, 2009
8:35 pm
I guess the Red Sox think more highly of Mike Cameron than a lot of people on this blog do…
And that should tell you something….since they do just about everything right.
juan
December 14th, 2009
8:35 pm
Would be awesome if the braves could get Rivera from the angels – how much money does everyone think they would have to eat from lowes salary? – my gues would be atleast 3-5m a year 9-15m
Redstick19
December 14th, 2009
8:36 pm
BraveGuy
Who do the Braves turn to next to play the outfield? (If Cameron is gone)
I hear Julio Franco wants back into MLB… get him on the phone. Seriously dude, you think Cameron was the only OF they were looking at?
jed
December 14th, 2009
8:36 pm
red sox can have cameron. i’d rather have nady or juan rivera over him.
idfan
December 14th, 2009
8:37 pm
mark bowman just reported that lee might not be involved in trade and could stay in phillie. thats not good for braves
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:38 pm
To get Rivera it would probably cost, IMO of course, somewhere between 3-5 mil. It would give them some money to chase Bay and Holliday. While still giving the Braves 10-12 mil and providing a RH run producer in Rivera.
We don’t have to have the best lineup in the game to win. Our pitching staff is one of the best in the game so as long as the line up is formidable the Braves will be competitive night in and night out.
sidslidkid
December 14th, 2009
8:38 pm
Could the Braves platoon Nate, Schafer and Diaz in the OF? Against LHP we could have McLouth in CF and Diaz in LF. Against RHP we could have Schafer in CF and move McLouth to Left.
AustinBrave
December 14th, 2009
8:39 pm
Juan- Nothing. Lowe has a great contract up against Lackey and Halladay. It should be a even swap.
Gone Viral
December 14th, 2009
8:39 pm
“And that should tell you something….since they do just about everything right.”
It’s interesting how often Boston and Atlanta are in on the same players.
sidslidkid
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
“How come everytime I post a question toward DOB somebody else answers it? People don’t come here to ask other posters questions, I came here to ask DOB.”
Is DOB suppose to answer this one too?
unbelievable
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
“I like Cliff Lee and thought his acquisition was a genius move by the Phillies, but I can’t get behind this statement. Halladay is the best in the game.”
Halladay is one of the best and so is Lee. Philly traded 3 or 4 guys for Lee and now are possibly moving Lee and 2 or 3 more prospects for Halladay. Lee + 6 or 7 prospects for Halladay is a ridiculous decision
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
The scary thing about Cameron going to the Red Sox and by some unforseen disaster the Braves don’t get Nady is that Byrd actually becomes a good option. Yikes.
Wayne in Utah
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
BraveGuy
It’s called a blog. If you want to have a private converstation with Dave, send him an email.
I refer questions to specific folks sometimes, but I expect others to chime in if they so desire.
Just the way it works around here. Besides, Dave doesn’t have time to respond to ever question, and probably appreciates others “chiming” in.
Nick in PA
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
So the Phillies could be trading Lee, Happ, Drabek and Brown or Taylor for Halladay and some prospects? That seems like an awful lot to give up
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
“mark bowman just reported that lee might not be involved in trade and could stay in phillie. thats not good for braves”
Link please. This is the kinda not good that can wipe out a season.
Burdell
December 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
Where did Bowman make that comment?
Andy K.
December 14th, 2009
8:42 pm
Braves Lifer, don’t worry, Bowman reported that in his blog a while ago and said he wasn’t sure.
idfan
December 14th, 2009
8:42 pm
bowmans blog on braves website
Burdell
December 14th, 2009
8:42 pm
Just because those guys took physicals doesn’t mean they’re moving. The Phillies made it well known that they want to keep Lee, acquire Halliday, and move Blanton (to make room in the payroll). So it’s obvious that they’d be trying to push a deal that involves doing just that. That doesn’t mean they’ll succeed.
unbelievable
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
Braves possibly give Cameron a two yr deal? Really, we have 2 OF’rs right now. I know Heyward is close to being ready, but this doesnt seem logical to me. If anyone goes down we only have Schafer, Brandon Jones, and Gregor Blanco. We are now back to having one of the weakest OF’s in the majors.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
If Lee is not in the trade its Happ. Mariners wouldn’t get involved if nothing was in it for them.
Nick in PA
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
not liking that bowman blog at all….if its not bad enough he talks about lee staying in philly, he mentions milton bradley, oi
Steve
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
I may be in the minority, but I think the Phillies downgraded for 2010 by losing Lee for Halliday.
Gone Viral
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
“Lee + 6 or 7 prospects for Halladay is a ridiculous decision”
Let’s wait and see what is actually involved in that deal, assuming it’s completed, before drawing such conclusions. To a larger point, if the choice is Lee for one year or Halladay for five years, there is no question about the right decision.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
Mark Bowman writes “there are some reports indicating that Lee might not be included in the Halladay deal. If that’s the case Ruben Amaro may want to have his people call some of the Turner Field engineers and determine how best to display four consecutive division titles.”
Not good news to go to sleep to.
keylargo
December 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
Are you Nady supporters really ready to gamble on his arm? Yes, he would be ideal for the Braves situation, but he had his second TJ surgery in mid July. If he couldn’t recover from his first surgery at all what makes you think he can recover from this one in record time?
Again, I’m no expert on contracts, but I can not believe the Insurance would cover Nady’s arm in any way. It would surely be classified as a pre existing condition and be excluded. If the arm goes, he gets paid and the Braves are left with no means to replace him. And that’s not the real problem. The real problem is that during the season there is really no one available to replace him.
I am not against Nady, just the gamble that his arm is.
unbelievable
December 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
Braves possibly (didnt want to) give Cameron a two yr deal? Really, we have 2 OF’rs right now. I know Heyward is close to being ready, but this doesnt seem logical to me. If anyone goes down we only have Schafer, Brandon Jones, and Gregor Blanco. We are now back to having one of the weakest OF’s in the majors.
sorry, fixed that now
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
http://markbowman.mlblogs.com/
idfan
December 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
doesnt sound like lee is gone yet steve
AustinBrave
December 14th, 2009
8:45 pm
Guys don’t worry about Phils pitching the Braves will match or beat them ask Kawakami. Just worry about there hitting. We must get better hitting!!!!!
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
8:46 pm
Now Bowmans blog says that the Angels may make Brandon Wood available. Thats questionable to me.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
8:49 pm
P’cola Brave-”Now Bowmans blog says that the Angels may make Brandon Wood available. Thats questionable to me.”
Yeah and he also says he debates bringing on Milton Bradley for his power. Um in the words of Jaz-Z “on to the next one”. He wrote that at like 7:15pm too. Move on.
Burdell
December 14th, 2009
8:50 pm
The M’s want more than Happ. They’re in a “win now” mode, and are looking for a front line guy (e.g. Lowe, Lackey, or Lee). Blanton or Happ doesn’t fill that spot.
The M’s won’t be involved unless they get Lee in the deal, and the Phillies won’t be involved unless they get Doc in the deal. Of course, the Phillies could just move Drabek, Taylor, and another prospect or two and make it a 2-team swap.